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Molasses Act
The Molasses Act was a major law passed by the British Parliament to regulate trade in the North American colonies; primarily designed to protect British sugar producers by putting a tax on molasses, sugar, and rum imported from non-British foreign colonies. -
French and Indian War
Conflict arose from territorial arguments, particularly over the Ohio River Valley, where both British and French interests clashed. The war was fought between the two countries, also including some Native American tribes. - Britain won. -
Navigation Acts
The Navigation Acts were a series of laws passed by the British Parliament aimed at regulating trade within the British Empire. These laws made it so that certain goods produced in the colonies could only be shipped to England or other English colonies; this included products like tobacco, sugar, and cotton. -
Fort Necessity
The fort was built by Colonel George Washington and his troops after a battle with the French forces. It was a circular wooden structure designed for defense. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act was made by the Parliament to end the smuggling of sugar and molasses. And although colonists were unhappy with the increased enforcement and the perception of taxation without representation, the law did make it cheaper for colonists to import molasses legally. -
Stamp Act
The law required colonists to purchase a stamp for every piece of printed paper they used, including legal documents and newspapers, thus also making it a financial burden on the colonists. -
Declaratory Acts
The act was passed to proclaim that Britain had the right to legislate for the colonies "in all cases whatsoever," thereby reinforcing its authority to force taxes and laws on the colonies. -
Townshend Act
The act imposed tax on a variety of imported goods, including glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. These taxes were to be paid at the port of entry before the goods could be distributed within/to the colonies. -
Boston Massacre
The event happened when a group of colonists started taunting and throwing stuff at British soldiers guarding the Customs House on King Street and when the situation escalated, and the soldiers, feeling threatened, opened fire on the crowd. -
First Continental Congress
Delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia and were there to address colonial grievances, organize resistance against British policies (protested against British taxation without representation), and promote unity among the colonies. They established the 'Continental Association', which called for a boycott of British goods and encouraged people to boycott. -
General Gage takes over Boston
General Gage arrived in Boston in May 1774 to replace the governor, Thomas Hutchinson. Upon taking control, Gage applied strict measures to enforce British laws, though his attempts to enforce them were met with increasing resistance from the colonists. Gage reinforced the military in Boston by calling troops from other regions to ensure he had sufficient forces. -
Intolerable Act
The law was passed in response to the Boston Tea Party and other acts of resistance against British authority. They were intended to restore order and assert control over the colonies. -
Quartering Act
The act allowed British troops to be housed in private homes without the consent of the owners, which was seen as a direct violation of colonial rights but yk British be doing whatever they want apparently. -
Administration of Justice
The act aimed to ensure a fair trial for British officials accused of crimes while performing their duties in the colonies. It was to protect these officials from colonial courts, which were seen as biased against them. Also allowed the royal governor to transfer trials of British officials accused of capital offenses to other colonies or even back to Britain; meaning officials could avoid trial in the colonies where they were accused, which many colonists viewed as a way to escape justice. -
Quebec Act
The act focused on organizing the newly acquired territory from France and appeasing the French-speaking population, thus securing their loyalty to British rule. -
Paul Revere's Ride
Paul Revere's ride took place in the middle of the night when he rode from Boston to Lexington to alert the colonists that the British troops were coming. This helped the militia prepare for their arrival, leading to the battles of Lexington and Concord the next day. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
This was the first military engagement of the American Revolutionary War where British troops were wanting to seize colonial military supplies stored in Concord and had marched from Boston through Lexington, where then a small group of colonial militia confronted them. Then a shot was fired, marking the "shot heard 'round the world," and leading to more fighting. The British then continued to Concord, but the American militia was ready and forced them to retreat back to Boston. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was a meeting of delegates from the American colonies shortly after the American Revolutionary War began. It aimed to manage the colonial war effort and move towards independence from British rule. -
Fort Ticonderoga
It is a historic military fort located in New York, built by the French during the French and Indian War. Later, Benedict Arnold captured the fort from the British then taking valuable artillery that was later used to reinforce the Continental Army. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The battle was mainly fought on Breed's Hill, near Boston where the colonial forces aimed to resist British control. Despite being outnumbered and having less ammunition, the colonists put up a strong fight. They inflicted heavy losses on the British troops before eventually retreating due to a lack of supplies. This battle demonstrated that the colonists could stand up to the British army, making an important moment in the fight for independence. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was created as a last effort by the colonies to prevent war with Britain. It expressed loyalty to the Crown while attempting to address grievances. Unfortunately, King George III rejected the petition, which led to an escalation of conflict. -
Benedict Arnold failed to take Quebec
Benedict Arnold's attempt to capture Quebec during the American Revolutionary War was unsuccessful because his forces faced harsh winter conditions, reduced supplies, and resistance from British troops. The failure obstructed America's efforts to gain control over Canada and marked a significant setback. -
Washington takes Boston
Washington's takeover of Boston marked an essential moment in the American Revolutionary War. Washington's strategic positioning and the successful use of artillery forced British troops to evacuate the city, boosting American confidence and strengthing Washington's leadership. -
Hessian Soldiers are hired by King George III
King George III hired Hessian soldiers from Germany to reinforce British forces. These soldiers were known for their discipline and combat skills and played a significant role in battles against American patriots, ultimately impacting the war. -
Declaration of Independence is signed
When the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, it marked the colonies' formal separation from Britain's rule (famous break-up letter!!). It declared the colonies' right to self-governance and outlined grievances against King George III, emphasizing the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.